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Move over, angel hair <keyword id="54935" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pasta" source="Orion">pasta</keyword> — there’s a new contender in town. Researchers have created the <keyword id="24099848" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="thinnest-spaghetti" source="keywords">thinnest spaghetti</keyword> ever, measuring just 372 nanometers across. That’s roughly 200 times thinner than a human hair! But this isn’t a culinary breakthrough — it’s a scientific one. This “nanopasta” holds promise for revolutionary applications in medicine and industry. <h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:18pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">A spaghetti revolution in the lab</h2>The spaghetti was made using electrospinning, a technique where an electric charge pulls a flour-based mixture through a needle to form nanofibers.: “To make spaghetti, you push a mixture of water and flour through metal holes,” explained co-author Dr. Adam Clancy. “In our study, we did the same except we pulled our flour mixture through with an electrical charge. It’s literally spaghetti but much smaller.” The strands are so fine they can’t be seen clearly with visible light and had to be measured using a scanning electron microscope. For comparison, the next thinnest known pasta is su filindeu — the “threads of God” from Sardinia — estimated to be about 400 microns wide. That makes this new creation 1,000 times thinner. <h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:18pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">Why make nanospaghetti?</h2>This isn’t pasta for your plate — it’s nanofiber science at its finest. Nanofibers are ultra-thin strands of material with many uses, such as wound healing. Nanofiber mats are highly porous, allowing water and moisture in while keeping bacteria out. They can also help with bone regeneration by acting as scaffolding for tissue growth, or for drug delivery, since their microscopic size allows for precise medical applications. “Nanofibers, such as those made of starch, show potential for use in wound dressings as they are very porous,” remarked co-author Professor Gareth Williams. “In addition, nanofibers are being explored for use as a scaffold to regrow tissue, as they mimic the extracellular matrix — a network of proteins and other molecules that cells build to support themselves.” Making nanofibers traditionally involves extracting and purifying starch, a resource-intensive process. The team found a greener solution by starting with flour, which is rich in starch. Dr. Clancy said: “Starch is a promising material to use as it is abundant and renewable — it is the second largest source of biomass on Earth, behind cellulose — and it is biodegradable, meaning it can be broken down in the body.” Using flour, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Impurities like proteins and cellulose made the mixture more viscous and harder to spin into fibers. To tackle this, the researchers used formic acid instead of water, as it breaks down the starch’s tightly packed helical structures. The acid evaporated during the process, leaving behind ultrathin strands of nanospaghetti. <h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:18pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">Not for your dinner table</h2>While this innovation is exciting, don’t expect it to replace your fettuccine anytime soon. Professor Williams points out that the nanospaghetti isn’t really as useful as pasta, sadly, as it would overcook in less than a second, before you could take it out of the pan. Instead, the team is focusing on the practical uses of nanospaghetti in fields like healthcare. Dr. Clancy added: “We’ve shown that a simpler way to make nanofibers using flour is possible. The next step would be to investigate the properties of this product. We would want to know, for instance, how quickly it disintegrates, how it interacts with cells, and if you could produce it at scale.” For now, this world-record-breaking spaghetti is a testament to the possibilities of nanotechnology. Whether it’s revolutionizing medicine or creating <keyword id="22184424" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="eco-friendly-materials" source="keywords">eco-friendly materials</keyword>, this tiny pasta proves that big things can come in very small packages The findings of this study have been published in Nanoscale Advances and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00601A">here</a>.

Scientists have created the world’s thinnest spaghetti 200 times thinner than hair that overcooks in a second! Here’s why

As festival season rolls around, many people are excited about purchasing an <keyword id="19906970" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicle" source="keywords">electric vehicle</keyword> (EV) not just for the eco-friendly benefits but also for the attractive discounts. With the growing popularity of EVs — a third of car-aspirants plan to buy an EV this year, reveals a Way2News survey — one lingering concern that might cross your mind is the risk of the car catching fire. While EV fires are rare, they can still happen under certain conditions, so it's essential to understand the risks and know how to prevent them. <h2>Why do they burn?</h2>First and foremost, EV fires are most commonly linked to the lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles. When an EV is involved in a crash, or if its battery is physically damaged in any way, there is a risk of what is known as "<keyword id="19981370" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="thermal-runaway" source="keywords">thermal runaway</keyword>." This happens when heat inside the battery cannot dissipate quickly enough, causing the cells to overheat and, in rare cases, ignite. Thankfully, EV manufacturers extensively test vehicles to minimise this risk, and incidents are exceedingly rare. In fact, statistics show that electric car fires are significantly less frequent than fires in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. A study from Sweden's Civil Contingencies Agency found that only 0.004% of EVs caught fire in 2022, compared to 0.08% for ICE cars. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113816837" title="PM E-DRIVE scheme with ₹10,900 crore outlay announced for electric vehicles" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As such, the ambient temperature can also play a significant role in the safety and performance of EV batteries. Extreme heat can be particularly dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of the battery cells overheating and entering thermal runaway, which may lead to a fire. High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions within lithium-ion batteries, making them more prone to malfunctions. Therefore, it is important to avoid exposing your EV to prolonged high heat, such as parking it under direct sunlight for extended periods, especially in regions where temperatures soar during the summer. Regular maintenance of the battery's cooling system is also critical, as it ensures the battery stays within a safe operating range, preventing overheating and extending the battery's lifespan <h2>Charging and flooding</h2>Another key risk comes from improper charging practices. Overcharging the battery, or using poorly regulated, non-certified charging stations, can cause the battery to overheat. It's crucial that EV owners use certified, high-quality charging stations and follow manufacturer recommendations to avoid overloading the system. Many modern EVs come with software that automatically stops charging once the battery is full, but it’s always a good idea to avoid prolonged charging beyond the battery's capacity. Water exposure can also be hazardous for EVs, particularly in flood-prone areas. While most EVs are designed to handle a fair amount of moisture, saltwater exposure, such as during coastal floods, can create serious problems. Saltwater can corrode the battery and create short circuits, which might lead to fires long after the vehicle has been submerged. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113857238" title="Ron DeSantis said EVs could catch fire if caught up in Hurricane Helene. Experts say he&amp;#39;s right — and that you should take these steps to protect yourself." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, for example, there were reports of submerged EVs catching fire even days after the floodwaters receded. If you live in an area prone to flooding, take extra precautions by parking your EV in a sheltered area, and if your car has been exposed to water, have it inspected immediately. <h2>Those annoying software updates are important!</h2>It’s also important to stay updated on any recalls or software updates. EVs, like any other technology, may occasionally be subject to recalls due to manufacturing defects or safety concerns. Being proactive in checking for recalls can prevent potential issues from becoming dangerous. For instance, some EV models have had recall campaigns specifically to address battery-related risks, ensuring that any faulty cells are replaced before they pose a threat. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113315022" title="Waiting for the festive season to buy an EV? Cabinet approves PM E-Drive subsidising most EVs, sans electric cars" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Finally, while EV fires may capture attention when they happen, it’s essential to keep them in perspective. Despite the fear surrounding them, EV fires are much less common than fires in gasoline-powered cars. The data shows that EVs are about 80 times less likely to catch fire than their gasoline counterparts. When considering an EV purchase, focus on the safety features and proactive measures in place to keep you and your vehicle safe. With proper charging, regular inspections, and staying informed, you can confidently enjoy the benefits of your new EV this festive season!

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Issues related to data privacy and rising <keyword id="20127272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-frauds" source="keywords">online frauds</keyword> are emerging as significant hurdles in the growth of e-commerce in India, said the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Economic-Survey" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Economic Survey" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Economic Survey">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-24 tabled in Parliament on Monday. Citing third-party data, the survey said that the e-commerce industry in India is expected to cross USD 350 billion by 2030 and called for the need to educate users on the safe use of e-commerce platforms. "The rise of e-commerce is constrained by inadequate skills required for online selling, such as cataloguing. <keyword id="22505774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="data-privacy-issues" source="keywords">Data privacy issues</keyword> and increasing online fraud have turned out to be the most significant hurdle in the growth of e-commerce in India. It becomes imperative to educate users on the safe use of e-commerce platforms," the survey said. The survey mentioned that India's e-commerce market has gained significant momentum during the past few years, owing to technological advancements, evolving new-age business models coupled with government initiatives like the Digital India program, UPI, One District - One Product (ODOP), Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), new foreign trade policy, easing of FDI limits and Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules 2021. It has identified data privacy and <keyword id="19906883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cybersecurity" source="keywords">cybersecurity</keyword> as critical concerns in the <keyword id="22505776" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digitisation-of-services" source="keywords">digitisation of services</keyword> in the country and called for adopting strong security measures, compliance with privacy regulations, and innovation, among others. "Data privacy and cybersecurity have become critical concerns with the increasing digitisation of services," according to the survey. It said that the government is spearheading data protection laws and cybersecurity policies to safeguard consumer data and strengthen cybersecurity measures in the services sector. "To further embrace technology with confidence, ensuring the adoption of strong security measures, compliance with privacy regulations, and fostering innovation in security technologies are essential," the survey noted. It said the future of e-commerce is built on the enhanced <keyword id="20290101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="user-experience" source="keywords">user experience</keyword> through <keyword id="19899640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="keywords">AI</keyword>, seamless <keyword id="21332958" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-payment-methods" source="keywords">digital payment methods</keyword>, innovations like UPI, and business engineering data analytics for business operations and enhancements. The survey mentioned that the buyer ecosystem in India is evolving at a very sharp rate, and business models will need to innovate to serve the needs of a diverse shopper base regarding service expectations, price sensitivity and language requirements. "Local language platforms are needed as the shopper base expands to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Growing startups and innovative social media platforms provide an opportunity to test unique business models that might be targeted to specific demographic cohorts," the survey said.

Data privacy issues, online frauds emerging as e-commerce growth hurdles: Eco Survey

Raising concerns over growing <keyword id="20260846" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="obesity" source="keywords">obesity</keyword> and increase of consumption of highly <keyword id="20490015" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="processed-foods" source="keywords">processed foods</keyword> laden with sugars and fat, the Economic Survey said 54 per cent of the total disease burden in India is due to <keyword id="21833035" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="unhealthy-diets" source="keywords">unhealthy diets</keyword>. Obesity presents a "concerning situation" and <keyword id="19948547" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="preventive-measures" source="keywords">preventive measures</keyword> must be taken to enable citizens to have a <keyword id="20000886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthier-lifestyle" source="keywords">healthier lifestyle</keyword>, it said. "Obesity is emerging as a serious concern among India's adult population," said the Survey, which was tabled on Monday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament. If India needs to "reap the gains of its demographic dividend, it is critical that its population's health parameters transition towards a balanced and diverse diet", it said. Citing a report from the Indian Council for Medical Research, the Economic Survey observed that the rise in consumption of highly processed foods laden with sugars and fat, coupled with reduced physical activity and limited access to diverse foods, exacerbate micronutrient deficiencies and overweight/obesity problems. Estimates show that the adult obesity rate in India has more than tripled, and the rise in children is the steepest in the world for India, behind Vietnam and Namibia, the survey stated, referring to a World Obesity Federation report. The survey further said as per National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the incidence of obesity is significantly higher in urban India than in rural India. In urban India, it is 29.8 per cent in men versus 19.3 per cent of rural India. The percentage of men facing obesity in the 18-69 age bracket has increased to 22.9 per cent in NFHS-5 from 18.9 per cent in NFHS-4. For women, it has increased from 20.6 per cent (NFHS-4) to 24 per cent (NFHS-5). "Combined with an ageing population in some states, obesity presents a concerning situation. Preventive measures must be taken to enable citizens to have a healthier lifestyle," the survey said. In some states, such as in the NCT (Delhi), the proportion of women with obesity is 41.3 per cent, as against 38 per cent for men. In Tamil Nadu, for men, obesity is 37 per cent and it is 40.4 per cent for women. In Andhra, it is 36.3 per cent for women while for men it is 31.1 per cent. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-to-launch-in-india-on-august-14-alongside-the-pixel-9-series/articleshow/111855704.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-to-launch-in-india-on-august-14-alongside-the-pixel-9-series/articleshow/111855704.cms" target="_blank">Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold to launch in India on August 14 alongside the Pixel 9 series</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/oneplus-nord-4-vs-realme-gt-6t-which-mid-range-phone-should-you-buy-under-35000/slidelist/111803604.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/oneplus-nord-4-vs-realme-gt-6t-which-mid-range-phone-should-you-buy-under-35000/slidelist/111803604.cms" target="_blank">OnePlus Nord 4 vs Realme GT 6T – which mid-range phone should you buy under ₹35,000?</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-added-3-45-million-subscribers-in-may-2024-while-vi-lost-nearly-a-million/articleshow/111800758.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-added-3-45-million-subscribers-in-may-2024-while-vi-lost-nearly-a-million/articleshow/111800758.cms" target="_blank">Reliance Jio and Airtel added 3.45 million subscribers in May 2024, while Vi lost nearly a million</a>

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